South Sudan gained independence on July 9, 2011. The international community lifted the new nation on a pedestal, hoping conflicts between Sudan and South Sudan, as well as violent rivalries within South Sudan would be resolved.

Many South Sudanese refugees, who grew up in neighbouring countries, the United States or Europe, returned, hoping to build a new life in their home country. But fighting has resumed between rivalling factions in the central government and the general euphoria has shifted to a weary fear of the future.